Chapter Five
Devotion To Ishwara And Elders
Our parents, other elderly members of the family and our Gurus or
preceptors always wish us good. They always advise us for our well-
being. It is our duty to follow their advice and to show respect to
them. We show respect to Ishwara by showing respect to them.
Ishwara is the Creator of everything of this universe. He has created
everything from a particle of dust to a big mountain. But we cannot
see this beneficial Ishwara. It is really difficult to show respects to
Ishwara directly. Our parents, superiors and elderly persons are in
front of us. We feel the presence of Ishwara through them. To offer
our devotion and reverence to them means to offer the same to
Ishwara. When we make obeisance to their feet, it reaches Ishwara.
According to Holy Books, 'Pritrideva Bhaba', 'Matrideva Bhaba',
'Acharyadeva Bhaba'. It means, we have to seek God in our father,
mother and preceptor. According to Holy Books,
Pita Swarga Pita Dharma Pita Hi Paramantapah.
Pitari Preetimapanne Preeyante Sarbadevata.
It means father is the heaven, mother is the religion and father is the
absolute devotion. All gods are pleased, if father is pleased. About
mother the Holy Books say,
'Bhumergareeyosee Mata'.
'Trishu Lokeshu Nasti Matrisamo Guruh.'
It means mother is greater than heaven. In the three worlds there is
no preceptor as great as mother. Here we can see that parents are
direct Ishwara to us. To serve and obey them is to serve Ishwara. So
parents and superiors should be respected as Ishwara. There are
many stories about this in the Holy Books. Two stories are given
below.